6 Key Attributes of High Performing Learning Spaces

DESIGNING LEARNING SPACES THAT PERFORM
Over the last several years we have identified 6 key attributes that learning and teaching spaces need to deliver. Together these attributes form the corner stone of our Learning Environments Studio (L.E.S.). These attributes also remind us of our mission and help us stay focused on the future of teaching and learning.


1. MOTIVATING: Education is a forward motion. We must create spaces that encourage and propel minds and deliver a sense of optimism. Every room should have features that work to elevate and accelerate the spirit of teaching, learning and discovery.

2. FLEXIBLE:  Rigidity is an opponent of enlightenment and discovery. The physical spaces need to account for dynamic teaching and learning styles. Fixed and unmovable elements should be minimized, keeping spaces flexible for now and how we want to use them today and even more flexible because we don’t know how they will be used in the future. 

3. COLLABORATIVE:  Shared inspiration is what fuels healthy group environments. We will design spaces that enable all parties to easily connect, communicate and collaborate with each other.  

4. REFLECTIVE: Reflection is the silent narrative of an engaged mind. All participants in the teaching and learning experience should be provided with spaces that facilitate “thinking” time. There needs to be spaces that are free of distractions, places where participants can unplug and simply delve into the wonder of thought. 

5. COMMUNITY CENTRIC: This isn’t a prison or monastery. As part of our mission, we  invite and connect the extended community to share the opportunities of education. To become more aware of each persons value and place in the world.  Open doors that open doors.  

6. PERFORMANCE FOCUSED: Just like “achieve” and “work”, “learn” is a verb. We must create spaces that help educators and students realize their true potential and perform at the highest level.  Beyond creating a building where teaching and learning merely happen, we must focus on integrating curriculum, technology and sustainable design elements to create a building and all of it’s features as “built-in” learning tools.  

Personal Learning Module Concept

Moore Norman Technology Center
Business Training Center Commons

School Culture Change - Influences and the Future

How does the rapid development of digital learning tools, digital content and digital culture influence the way teachers teach,  children learn and schools change? 

That's the fundamental question that I am committed to helping answer thru this series of blog posts and your feedback. School and community leaders, teachers, parents and children will benefit from a open discussion. We will review the financial implications, past solutions and evaluate current  influences. Then we will explore new ideas in design and planning from all over the world.

The research and statistics (primarily about Oklahoma) will attempt to frame the cultural, financial and organizational issues facing our PK-12 educational system today. We are interested in hearing from educators, architects and anyone that has insight and ideas about how learning environments may change to better engage students, be more flexible, more efficient and improve student outcomes.

The financial pressure, digital and cultural influences on our current system have never been greater. The opportunities for new PK-5, 6-8 and High School planning models are exciting. As creative leaders,  architects are in a good position to team with local school officials and community leaders to establish a clear vision and lay the foundation for our children's futures.

I would like to invite all people interested in this important question to share and comment. There are never enough ideas to benefit our children's future.

Counting the Costs

Districts Information: 

School Districts in Oklahoma -                          539                      
District Education Expenditures 2012/13           $2,200,000,000 (billion)
Number of Students -                                       666,150
Avg. expenditure per student-                           $7,878.76
Enrollment Growth 2010-2011                         .009% (less than 1%)
Oklahoma Education Spending Rank -              44th

Facilities Construction Spending : (Nationwide)

Median Cost per S.F. -                               Elementary:    $181.00/S.F.

                                                                   Middle:          $195.31/S.F.

                                                                   High School:  $219.18/S.F.

Median Square Feet per Student -                Elementary:     129 S.F.

                                                                    Middle:           138 S.F.

                                                                    High School:   165 S.F.

Oklahoma's facilities costs average 10-15% less than national averages. 

February 2013 Oklahoma School Facilities Bond Projects 

Total Facilities Bond Requests -                   $302,465,000 (million)
Requesting Districts:                                     13
Requesting Districts Enrollment:                    57,590
Spending Request per Student:                     $5,252


 At the time of this writing it is not know which districts will receive a 60% majority approval and pass the bond propositions. Bond figures are from the Oklahoman at http://newsok.com/oklahoma-voters-to-make-school-board-bond-issue-decisions-today/article/3754434. District Information is from statistics published from the U.S. Department of Education and posted at www.teachade.com. Facilities construction statistics are from the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities.